City Council

February 7, 2017 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 7:00 PM 7:00 PM CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL SALUTE TO FLAG PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD / 15 MINUTES PRESENATIONS 1. Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Presentation EXEUTIVE SESSION CONSENT AGENDA 1. Approval of 1/13/17 Special City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 1/17/17 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 1/17/17 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance 2 5. Approve Budget Amendments - Regular 6. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 7. Approve Payroll: 1/20/17 $478,762.25 8. Approve Payroll: 1/27/17 $717,057.94 9. Approve Payroll: 2/3/17 $462,653.73 10. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve 11. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWDEC4: $34,526.91 12. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWDEC5: $465.94 13. Approve Warrant: 2016 – 16DEC6: $806,957.12 14. Approve Warrant: 2017 Mid – 17MWFEB1: $1,703.50 15. Approve Warrant: 2017 Mid – 17MWJAN2: $9,209.56 16. Approve Warrant: 2017 Mid – 17MWJAN3: $3,272.47 17. Approve Warrant: 2017 - 17FEB1: 258,090.96 MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT 1. Discussion: 2017 Doppelt Rail to Trail Grant 2. Discussion and Vote: Resolution in Support to Bring Ride-Sharing to Upstate NY 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay 2 Invoices to Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC 4. Discussion and Vote: Easement for 144 Spring Street Property 5. Discussion and Vote: Accept EDPL Determination and Findings for Geyser Road Project 6. Announcement: Pitney Farm Workshop – March 5, 2 – 4 PM at Universal Preservation Hall City Council Meeting 2/7/17 ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT 1. Award of Bid: Audit Services to BST and Co. CPAs, LLP 2. Appointment: Commissioner of Deeds 3. Announcement: Meeting Regarding Special Events FINANCE DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: Appointment of Temporary Deputy Commissioner of Finance 2. Discussion and Vote: 2017 Annual Tax Resolution 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract Addendum with Fibertech for Increase of City Hall Internet Speed 4. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Audit Contract with BST Co. CPAs, LLP 5. Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll 6. Announcement: Key Points Governor’s FY 2018 Executive Budget PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT 1. Announcement: Appointment – Deputy Commissioner of Public Works 2. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Change Order #1 with PCC Contracting, Inc. for the Canfield Casino Ballroom Restoration Project 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign City Application for Tree City USA Certification PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT 1. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Subsection 225-87 Time Limit Parking 2. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Subsection 225-77 Schedule XII Stop Intersections 3. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Empire Ambulance 4. Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of a Standard Bred Pace for the Police Department Mounted Division 5. Authorization for a CSEA City Hall Employee to Withdrawal up to 70 Hours from the Sick Bank and to Transfer 320 Hours of Sick Time Donated from an Employee 6. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Renewal Lease Agreements with Ricoh 7. Discussion: Third Fire/EMS Station 8. Set Public Hearing: SPA (Saratoga Places for All) Housing Zoning Ordinance SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch 1. NYSAC Legislative Conference Report 2. Racing & Gaming Committee 3. 2017 Saratoga County Rabies Clinics Peter Martin 1. Public Health Committee 2. NYSAC Conference 3. Senator Marchione’s Legislative Agenda 4. Governor’s Meeting ADJOURN Page 2 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 February 7, 2017 CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS City Council Meeting City Council Room 7:00 PM PRESENT: Joanne Yepsen, Mayor Michele Madigan, Commissioner of Finance John Franck, Commissioner of Accounts Anthony Scirocco, Commissioner of DPW Christian Mathiesen, Commissioner of DPS STAFF PRESENT: Meg Kelly, Deputy Mayor Maire Masterson, Deputy Commissioner, Accounts Eileen Finneran, Deputy Commissioner, DPS Vincent DeLeonardis Matthew Veitch, Supervisor Peter Martin, Supervisor RECORDING OF PROCEEDING The proceedings of this meeting were taped for the benefit of the secretary. Because the minutes are not a verbatim record of the proceedings, the minutes are not a word-for-word transcript. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Yepsen called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. PUBLIC COMENT Mayor Yepsen said the public comment period is limited to a total of 15 minutes and individuals are limited to two minutes. Mayor Yepsen opened the public comment period at 7:03 p.m. Linda Walzack of Malta spoke about concealed carry rules/laws. She provided a list (attached) of unintended shootings that have occurred by gun owners in public places. The encouraged the Council to investigate what needs to be done to ensure the safety of Saratogians. Steven Rodriquez of 32 Vichy Drive stated he is here to support the proposed trail on Geyser Road. His viewpoint is safety. He is intimidated by Geyser Road – it is not for families. Jack Pompei of Saratoga Springs stated he was employed by ESPY Manufacturing for over 50 years. He stated the path planned to be built on Geyser Road is a bad idea. The path runs into oncoming traffic. Page 3 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Now the City wants to take property from him and others by eminent domain. He asked the Council to halt the project now. Jacqueline Mayer of Geyser Crest stated she objects to the plan on Geyser Road. The businesses in the area have tractor trailers that will have to cross back and forth over this trail to access Geyser Road. This She asked how the trail will be maintained and how much it will cost? Carl Slate of Harris Beach Law Firm stated he is representing the Pompei family regarding the eminent domain procedure. The segment of the path the City is trying to take by eminent domain is very dangerous. There are many unanswered questions. He urged the County and City to look at all this. He urged the Council to table the vote until these questions are answered. Marc Mencher of Geyser Road stated he strongly supports the path/trail as proposed. There is no other alternative now. Tim Bantham of Milton stated he is in support of the multi-use bicycle path on Geyser Road. IT is a great way for people to exercise. This path is a positive and an alternate mode of transportation. Todd Schipiro of Milton stated it is difficult to get to the state park without driving over there with their bikes. He is in support of the trail so he and his family can ride into town. Darlene McGraw of Saratoga Springs stated she supports the trail. Dwayne of Saratoga Springs stated he supports the bike path. It is not safe right now. Devin DelPas of Saratoga Springs requested the Council to vote in favor of the trail project. This will provide people with a safe bike/pedestrian trail. Molly Gagne of Vichy Drive stated she is in support of the Geyser Trail. It will be a model for other major arteries that come into the city. Douglas Myer of the Greenbelt Trail Committee stated he is excited that they have the possibility of moving this project forward this spring/fall. Joe Dalton of Saratoga Springs stated the Charter Commission is not representative of the residents. The date of the special election is an insult to the intelligence of local residents. He asked the Council not to fund the special election and the education campaign. Tanya Souse of Saratoga Springs stated she is supportive of the trail as people are trying to get from point A to point B whether there is a trail there or not. She would like to see the trail in place to help these people. Leo Demerse of Geyser Crest stated he is in support of the trail. He has visited other cities that have trails that lead to parks and recreational facilities. He missed having that when he was raising his family. It will be an asset to the City. Mayor Yepsen closed the public comment period at 7:31 p.m. PRESENTATION Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) Presentation Mayor Yepsen introduced Dennis Brobston and Ryan Van Amburgh from SEDC. Page 4 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Mr. Brobston stated the job growth in Saratoga County from 2013 to 2016 is about 9,600 jobs. The unemployment rate has dropped 3.3% over the past 5 years; the County’s poverty rate has reduced 2.3% in 3 years and residential construction costs have been over $884 million in 4 years. SEDC has created over $51 million in investments with over $23 million in payroll being created in the next year. Mr. Brobston stated they are always selling Saratoga County. They want the employees that are here to spend more money here and invest their money here. SEDC has created a new website. We need more sites and opportunities but they don’t have natural gas and electric everywhere. They also need better water and sewer lines in the County. They have also set up advisory teams. Mr. Brobston introduced Advance Saratoga Platform – their new initiatives that deal with start-up companies. This is about creating new jobs in the future. CONSENT AGENDA Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to accept the consent agenda as follows: 1. Approval of 1/13/17 Special City Council Meeting Minutes 2. Approval of 1/17/17 City Council Meeting Minutes 3. Approval of 1/17/17 Pre-Agenda Meeting Minutes 4. Approve Budget Amendments – Insurance 2 5. Approve Budget Amendments - Regular 6. Approve Budget Transfers – Regular 7. Approve Payroll: 1/20/17 $478,762.25 8. Approve Payroll: 1/27/17 $717,057.94 9. Approve Payroll: 2/3/17 $462,653.73 10. Approve Resolution for Use of Insurance Reserve 11. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWDEC4: $34,526.91 12. Approve Warrant: 2016 Mid – 16MWDEC5: $465.94 13. Approve Warrant: 2016 – 16DEC6: $806,957.12 14. Approve Warrant: 2017 Mid – 17MWFEB1: $1,703.50 15. Approve Warrant: 2017 Mid – 17MWJAN2: $9,209.56 16. Approve Warrant: 2017 Mid – 17MWJAN3: $3,272.47 17. Approve Warrant: 2017 - 17FEB1: 258,090.96 Ayes – All MAYOR’S DEPARTMENT Discussion: 2017 Doppelt Rail to Trail Grant Mayor Yepsen stated this will allow the City to complete phase 2 of the Saratoga Greenbelt Community Active Transportation Project. Phase 2 includes signage, education, and promotional materials. Discussion and Vote: Resolution in Support to Bring Ride-Sharing to Upstate NY (17-16) Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded for the City Council to support the resolution to bring ride-sharing to Upstate NY. Commissioner Mathiesen stated he will not be supporting this as he still has some concerns about its impact on local tax businesses. He will not be supporting this. He is not comfortable with the oversight of the ride sharing program. Mayor Yepsen stated CDTA will be overseeing all the limo and taxi transportation services. Page 5 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Commissioner Mathiesen stated he hates to see locally owned businesses suffer due to this service. Commissioner Madigan stated Commissioner Mathiesen makes some great points. We do have good taxi service here but other cities don’t. The resolution is not binding. She would hate to see ride-sharing come to Saratoga Springs and displace what we have. She is going to support it. Commissioner Franck stated this is coming and we should be ready for it. He is going to support this. We are one of the few communities that actually have good service. Commissioner Scirocco asked if Saratoga has a choice of whether or not it wants to take this on once it becomes law. He also asked if there is sales tax included where the City would gain revenues from it. Commissioner Madigan stated there will be taxes on these services. Mayor Yepsen read the following resolution into the record: A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA SPRINGS, NEW YORK WHEREAS, the New York State Legislature is currently considering enacting legislation that would enable citizens outside of New York City to take advantage of ride sharing services for their transportation needs. These services, provided by several private companies, have been available now for some time in many places across the United States. Ridesharing has given many thousands of people a flexible and easy means of mobility, has reduced the possibility of drunk driving on our highways, has lessened overall road congestion during many hours of the day, and has made positive contributions to our environment; and WHEREAS, this Council is aware that ridesharing also brings numerous public safety concerns. Participating drivers should be subject to appropriate security measures, insurance requirements, fingerprinting, and background checks. However, if these issues are satisfactorily addressed in the State legislation, we believe ridesharing has many benefits to offer upstate New York, including the City of Saratoga Springs. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Council supports and encourages the passage of appropriate legislation to permit ridesharing companies to operate throughout New York State. Ayes – 4 Nays – 1 (Commissioner Mathiesen) Discussion and Vote: Authorization to Pay 2 Invoices to Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC (17-17) Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the Council to pay 2 invoices to Miller, Mannix, Schachner & Hafner, LLC. Commissioner Madigan stated she brought up issues with these invoices yesterday. The invoices total approximately $5,500 and date back to March 2016. She suggested a more general contract so that things like this are covered. We need to pay them by need to have contracts that accurately reflect the services. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Easement for 144 Spring Street Property (17-18) Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve and authorize the mayor to execute the easement for 144 Spring Street property. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Accept EDPL Determination and Findings for Geyser Road Project (17-19) Mayor Yepsen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to accept EDPL determination and findings for the Geyser Road project. Page 6 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Mayor Yepsen advised the findings are attached to the agenda. There will be a positive impact on the residents and surrounding businesses. Brad Birge of the Planning Department advised this project began many years ago. The SPA State Park has partnered with the City to seek federal funds for this project and committed $100,000 themselves towards the project. Ayes – All Announcement: Pitney Farm Workshop – March 5, 2 – 4 PM at Universal Preservation Hall th Mayor Yepsen announced a planning workshop has been scheduled for March 5 from 2 – 4 pm at the Universal Preservation Hall. ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT Award of Bid: Audit Services to BST and Co. CPAs, LLP (17-20) Commissioner Franck moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to award the bid for Audit Services to BST & Co. CPAs, LLP for a 3 year contract. The amounts are as follows: $36,000 for 2016; $36,000 for 2017; and $37,000 for 2018. Funding is in line A3021314 / 54720. Ayes – All Appointment: Commissioner of Deeds Commissioner Franck appointed Patsy Berrigan and Corissa Salvo from the Civil Service Department and Lisa Watkins of the Public Safety Department as Commissioners of Deeds. Their appointment is effective 1/1/17. Announcement: Meeting Regarding Special Events Commissioner Franck announced the meeting regarding special events is scheduled for tomorrow evening from 5:30 – 6:30 at the Holiday Inn. FINANCE DEPARTMENT Announcement: Appointment of Temporary Deputy Commissioner of Finance Commissioner Madigan appointed Susan Armstrong as temporary Deputy Commissioner of Finance effective February 8, 2017. Discussion and Vote: 2017 Annual Tax Resolution (17-21) Commissioner Madigan stated this resolution is provided annually to verity the tax roll and the levies by jurisdiction. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the 2017 tax resolution as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Contract Addendum with Fibertech for Increase of City Hall Internet Speed (17-22) Page 7 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Commissioner Madigan stated this will increase the speed in City Hall separate from WiFi. The monthly fee will increase $200. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the contract addendum with Fibertech and request authorization for the mayor to sign the addendum as distributed with agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Audit Contract with BST Co. CPAs, LLP (17-23) Commissioner Madigan BST was one of 2 firms to respond to the RFP. They were the lowest bidder. The contract is for 3 years covering 2016, 2017, and 2018. Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the contract for auditing services with BST Co. CPAs, LLP and request authorization for the mayor to sign the contract as distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Budget Transfers – Payroll (17-24) Commissioner Madigan moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to approve the budget transfers – payroll which were previously distributed with the agenda. Ayes – All Announcement: Key Points Governor’s FY 2018 Executive Budget Commissioner Madigan announced the budget has been released to the public but has not yet been adopted. The budget includes the governor’s commitment to reducing property taxes, improve local government efficiencies, and maintain most core local government assistant support. The City has provided the state with a local government efficiency program. The property tax cap has been extended through 2020. PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT Announcement: Appointment – Deputy Commissioner of Public Works Commissioner Scirocco appointed Frank Coppola, Jr. as Deputy Commissioner of Public Works. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign Change Order #1 with PCC Contracting, Inc. for the Canfield Casino Ballroom Restoration Project (17-25) Commissioner Scirocco stated this addendum includes the remediation of Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign change order #1 with PCC Contracting, Inc. for the Canfield Casino Ballroom Restoration Project in the amount of $40,791.43. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for the Mayor to Sign City Application for Tree City USA Certification (17-26) Page 8 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Commissioner Scirocco stated Sustainable Saratoga met with the DEC regarding the submission of an application for Tree City Certification. This could allow the City to be open to various grant funding that will allow the City to accomplish more tree planting. He thanked Tom Denny for his work on this. Commissioner Scirocco moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the City application for Tree City USA Certification. Ayes - All PUBLIC SAFETY DEPARTMENT Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Subsection 225-87 Time Limit Parking Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 6:55 p.m. Set Public Hearing: Amend Chapter 225, Article IX, Subsection 225-77 Schedule XII Stop Intersections Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for Tuesday, February 21, 2017 at 6:50 p.m. Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Contract with Empire Ambulance (17-27) Commissioner Mathiesen stated Empire Ambulance provides backup service to the City. The contract is for 1 year in the amount of $40,000. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the agreement with Empire Ambulance. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Accept Donation of a Standard Bred Pace for the Police Department Mounted Division (17-28) Commissioner Mathiesen stated Chuck Harrison donated a horse to the Police Department to replace Jupiter, who is retiring. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Madigan seconded to accept the donation of a 10 year old standard bred horse named Most Fun Yet valued at approximately $500. Ayes – All Authorization for a CSEA City Hall Employee to Withdrawal up to 70 Hours from the Sick Bank and to Transfer 320 Hours of Sick Time Donated from an Employee (17-29) Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize a CSEA City Hall employee to withdrawal up to 70 hours from the sick bank and to transfer an additional 320 hours of sick time to this employee donated from another employee. Ayes – All Discussion and Vote: Authorization for Mayor to Sign Renewal Lease Agreements with Ricoh (17-30) Commissioner Mathiesen stated this is for 2 copiers in the Police Department. Commissioner Mathiesen moved and Commissioner Franck seconded to authorize the mayor to sign the renewal lease agreement with Ricoh in the amount of $119.16 per month for 36 months. Page 9 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Ayes – All Discussion: Third Fire/EMS Station Commissioner Mathiesen advised the determination from the Attorney General’s Office has made a decision. They are waiting for the other party to decide if they are going to appeal the decision. They are looking at the next steps to make sure we have the proper EMS/fire facility. Set Public Hearing: SPA (Saratoga Places for All) Housing Zoning Ordinance Commissioner Mathiesen set a public hearing for Tuesday, March 21, 2017 at 6:50 p.m. and Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at 6:50 p.m. SUPERVISORS Matthew Veitch NYSAC Legislative Conference Report Supervisor Veitch reported they met last Monday. They had a few resolutions: calling on the governor to create a 911 state department; impose a 911 surcharge on pre-paid cell phones; promote the use of video conferencing for inmates; asking for local correctional facilities to be held while waiting for arraignment; and prohibiting civilian drone use within 1,000 feet of a correctional facility. He also attended 2 seminars while at the conference. Racing & Gaming Committee Supervisor Veitch reported the Committee will be meeting on Thursday. They will be passing a resolution opposing the OBT Nassau County deal with VLTs at the racetrack. 2017 Saratoga County Rabies Clinics Supervisor Veitch reported the County does yearly rabies clinics. Cats, dogs, and ferrets can be brought to the County for free shots. Peter Martin Public Health Committee Supervisor Martin reported they held a meeting yesterday. The approved a $25,000 budget expenditure for home and community based mental health care and renewed an agreement with United Health Care for payment to the County for maternal and child health care nursing services as well as tuberculosis observation services. NYSAC Conference Supervisor Martin reported he serves on the Gaming and Native American Affairs Committee. Most of the meeting was spent discussing legal actions between various counties, municipalities, and tribes throughout the state. Senator Marchione’s Legislative Agenda Supervisor Martin reported he met with Senator Marchione to express their legislative needs and to hear her legislative needs. She is sponsoring a bill to amend the 2% property tax cap. Page 10 of 11 City Council Meeting 2/7/17 Governor’s Meeting Supervisor Martin reported he was invited to the mansion to meet with the governor along with other supervisors. The governor had a presentation and addressed unfunded mandates, property tax cap, lowering property taxes throughout the state, and consolidation of services. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Mayor Yepsen adjourned the meeting at 9:21 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lisa Ribis Clerk Approved: 2/21/17 Vote: 5 - 0 Page 11 of 11